While I know you want help, and you want to find Pooter a new home, I'm still confused even after your explanation. I do wish you and your dogs the best, and hope and pray that the best solution possible for Pooter AND Tikka is found.
It seems there are many rescue options that members have found for you...did you find those as well or did you look for them? Have you contacted them, and have you had any luck?
Where did Pooter, and Tikka, stay when you were gone for 12-14 hour days for a week or two at a time as you described the previous situation?
Are their house/dog sitters who would be available to stay with both Pooter and Tikka while you are away for weeks at a time? That way they would have each other and it would help with their sadness. There are many unemployed people out there, I'm sure you could interview and find someone who would love that job and be good at it.
While Tikka sounds like an active and somewhat larger yorkie, I still do not have an easy time imagining that mountain life on hunts is any more appropriate for Tikka than Pooter--how could it possibly be as it sounds like it involves strangers, mountains, rough terrain, firearms, shooting and injured and dying animals?
If this was a child, perhap small or disabled in some way (heaven forbid) with a younger sibling, I can't imagine that you would only take the second child with you on vacations, to a new home, etc. because that first child didn't fit well with your new plans? Please try to remember that to Pooter and Tikka you ARE family and they trust you just as children would.
Many apartments allow two small dogs, and many men go to work without their wives going along, especially if it means they would have to get rid of a family member in order to join him.
It really does sound like there are options available to you that you're not considering strongly enough: 1) keeping both dogs and staying home to care for them, which in my opinion is your obligation with both pets and family, or 2) Consider keeping the two of them together and giving them both a chance at a homelife that is suitable, loving and forever, as difficult as I know that would be for you.
I will be anxious to hear about your decisions, and do hope for the very best.
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Jen and Zoe |